Where antibiotics are made matters

Antibiotics are often produced through highly specialized manufacturing processes that require significant expertise, strict quality controls, and reliable access to raw materials. At the same time, many antibiotics are established medicines that have been used for years, creating economic pressures that can discourage investment in manufacturing capacity across the industry.

The result is a healthcare challenge that has received growing attention in recent years: medicine shortages. While the causes can vary, disruptions in manufacturing, supply chains, transportation, or sourcing of ingredients can all affect the availability of essential medicines, including antibiotics.

Against this backdrop, healthcare systems, policymakers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly focused on strengthening the resilience of medicine supply chains and maintaining production capabilities close to patients.

Europe plays an important role in this effort. The region remains one of the world's leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs, accounting for approximately 54% of production in the research-based pharmaceutical sector. At the same time, Europe represents around one-third of global medicine consumption.

Together, these factors highlight the importance of maintaining a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base that can support reliable access to essential medicines.